of middling size (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Adjective Phrase

Phonetic Transcription

/əv ˈmɪd.lɪŋ saɪz/

Meaning and Usage

The phrase "of middling size" describes something that is of average or moderate size, neither large nor small. It is often used to convey a neutral or balanced characteristic in various contexts, such as describing objects, living beings, or other entities.

• Frequency of Use: This phrase is not commonly found in everyday speech; it is more often used in written contexts, such as literature, essays, and technical descriptions.

Example Sentences

1. The room was of middling size, suitable for a small family gathering.

2. Комната была среднего размера, подходящая для небольшой семейной встречи.

3. The car he bought is of middling size, perfect for city driving but spacious enough for weekend trips.

4. Машина, которую он купил, была среднего размера, идеально подходящая для городских поездок, но достаточно просторная для поездок на выходные.

5. She prefers paintings of middling size that can fit comfortably on her walls without overwhelming them.

6. Она предпочитает картины среднего размера, которые могут удобно поместиться на её стенах, не перегружая их.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "of middling size" itself is not typically found in idiomatic expressions, the concept of "middling" does appear in various phrases. Here are a few idiomatic expressions related to the concept of moderation or being in between:

1. Middling efforts can lead to middling results.

2. Умеренные усилия могут привести к средним результатам.

3. He is a middling scholar, not the best but certainly not the worst.

4. Он есть ученый средней руки, не лучший, но определенно не худший.

5. She often settles for middling choices rather than aiming too high or too low.

6. Она часто выбирает средние решения, а не ставит слишком высокие или низкие цели.

7. Their performance was of middling quality, satisfying but not exceptional.

8. Их выступление было среднего качества, удовлетворительным, но не выдающимся.

Etymology

The word "middling" comes from Middle English "mideling," which is derived from "mid" meaning "middle" or "in-between." Its usage can be traced back to the idea of something occupying the middle position in a range or scale.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: average size, moderate size, medium size
• Antonyms: large size, small size, gigantic size, tiny size

This comprehensive overview provides insight into the phrase "of middling size," its usage, meaning, and its role in the English language.